SIERRA VISTA �” The Solar Electric Power Association, an educational and research nonprofit focused on helping utilities integrate solar into their operations, has recognized Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative as the top utility in terms of increased utilization of solar power based on watts per customer during 2009.

David Bane, key accounts manager for the cooperative, accepted the award at the solar association’s annual Utility Solar Conference in Denver on Tuesday.

The association analyzes information for the year from hundreds of electric utilities across the nation both in terms of total solar megawatts added to their systems and the number of watts per customer.

The top 10 utilities in each category are announced each year at the conference.

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative �” unranked in 2008 �” took the top spot in 2009 top ten list with 56 solar watts per customer. Also making the leap into the top 10 this year were The City of Santa Clara/Silicon Valley Power (22.3 watts per customer) and Southern California Edison (15.3 watts per customer).

“I’d like to personally congratulate Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative for earning a place in the 2009 top 10,” said Julia Hamm, executive director of Solar Electric Power Association. “The commitment of leaders like CEO Creden Huber is essential to the utility industry’s transition to a future that includes solar power as an important part of the solution to the nation’s energy issues.”

“We have worked to provide information regarding solar energy and incentives for our members to install photovoltaic systems at their homes and businesses and through our schools solar shade projects,” said Huber, -SSVEC chief executive officer Creden W. Huber said. “This award confirms these efforts as the cooperative looks to renewable energy options to help meet the increasing demand for electricity here in Southeast Arizona.”

Added Jack Blair, SSVEC’s chief member services officer: “The rebate incentive program has been so successful that the cooperative has implemented a reservation list which we’re moving through as fast as possible.”

About SSVEC

According to its website, “Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative is a nonprofit, member-owned distribution cooperative providing electricity to more than 50,000 services over some 4,000 miles of energized line. Located in southeastern Arizona, the cooperative’s service territory covers parts of Cochise, Graham, Pima and Santa Cruz counties.”